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Poles Apart
Overnight, Eve of Equality, a new feminist blog, becomes a sensation when a wildly popular TV talk show host stumbles upon it, Tweets about it, and promotes it on her show. The blog is smart, thoughtful, funny, and bold, brazenly taking on various injustices in the lives of women. But it's the blogger Eve's post about the controversial entrepreneur behind XY, a new chain of high-end strip clubs opening up across the country that sets off a firestorm. In a matter of hours, the Eve of Equality website crashes, its Twitter count jumps from a paltry 19 followers to nearly 250,000, and Eve is suddenly lauded as the new voice of feminism.
But who is the Eve behind Eve of Equality? Well... not who you might think. Meet Everett Kane, aspiring writer and fervent feminist. He writes his erudite blog in his apartment, at his kitchen table, conveniently but unexpectedly located right above one of the aforementioned XY strip clubs.
Hilarious and smart, and offering thoughtful commentary on a subject that is flooding our headlines, newsfeeds, Twitter streams, and society, Poles Apart is Terry Fallis at his best, confirming his status as a king of CanLit comedy.
But who is the Eve behind Eve of Equality? Well... not who you might think. Meet Everett Kane, aspiring writer and fervent feminist. He writes his erudite blog in his apartment, at his kitchen table, conveniently but unexpectedly located right above one of the aforementioned XY strip clubs.
Hilarious and smart, and offering thoughtful commentary on a subject that is flooding our headlines, newsfeeds, Twitter streams, and society, Poles Apart is Terry Fallis at his best, confirming his status as a king of CanLit comedy.
432 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2015
26 people are currently reading
805 people want to read
About the author
Terry Fallis
13 books724 followersTerry Fallis is the award-winning author of ten national bestsellers, including his latest, The Marionette, all published by McClelland & Stewart (Penguin Random House). His debut novel, The Best Laid Plans, won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour and was crowned the 2011 winner of CBC Canada Reads as the "essential Canadian novel of the decade." In January 2014, CBC aired a six-part television miniseries based on The Best Laid Plans earning very positive reviews. In September 2015, it debuted as a stage musical in Vancouver. The High Road was published in September 2010 and was a finalist for the 2011 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Terry's third novel, Up and Down, was released in September 2012. It debuted on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, was a finalist for the 2013 Leacock Medal, and won the 2013 Ontario Library Association Evergreen Award. In June 2013, the Canadian Booksellers Association presented Terry with the Libris Award for Author of the Year. Terry's fourth novel, No Relation, hit bookstores in May 2014, opened on the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and won the 2015 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. Poles Apart was released in October 2015, immediately hit the Globe and Mail bestsellers list, and was a finalist for the 2016 Leacock Medal. One Brother Shy (2017), Albatross (2019), Operation Angus (2021), A New season (2023), an The Marionette were all instant bestsellers upon publication.
Terry Fallis earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and then spent several years working in federal and Ontario politics. In 1995, he co-founded Thornley Fallis, a full service communications and digital agency with offices in Toronto and Ottawa. He blogs at www.terryfallis.com and his twitter handle is @TerryFallis. Subscribe to his Substack posts here: https://terryfallis.substack.com
Terry Fallis earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from McMaster University and then spent several years working in federal and Ontario politics. In 1995, he co-founded Thornley Fallis, a full service communications and digital agency with offices in Toronto and Ottawa. He blogs at www.terryfallis.com and his twitter handle is @TerryFallis. Subscribe to his Substack posts here: https://terryfallis.substack.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
April 25, 2016
Terry Fallis manages to write an entire book mansplaining feminism and actually manages to not say anything substantive about feminism, sexism, or the sex industry (beyond vaguely shaming sex workers.)
Quite a feat!
Quite a feat!
January 23, 2016
I really wanted to like this book, the synopsis was so intriguing and sounded like something right up my alley. I am a male who has written for feminists blogs. I grew up right as Jezebel and similar blogs were starting and took off. It sounded like a perfect read to look at some important, contemporary discussions and do so in a funny way. Further, I actually quite like Terry Fallis..
Unfortunately, it may be one of the worst novels I've ever read. Three reasons for this, really.
1) Judged on the prose, I'm not sure if any editor looked at this book. There are pages and pages of nonsense that drag on for no reason. We do not need to read about the protagonist entering keywords into the backend of Wordpress, or here about the process of setting up an e-mail account, or have him tell us about the benefits of one airport over another. In short, this reads like a first draft, where you throw everything down - except, someone forgot to go back and trim the excess.
2) The dialogue made each and every character in the book sound the same. The protagonist, the feminist pioneer, the buff muscle and even the protagonist's father - they all talk the same, and they all talk unrealistically. No conversation has ever sounded like the ones in this book.
3) How is Everett so slow? There are parts where the reader knows of a "big reveal" about 50 pages ahead of the main character, who we come to understand is somewhat of a genius. You know the old saying of trust your reader, don't talk down to them? It needs to be applied here.
I guess there were some salvageable parts - few and far between. The book did raise some important issues surrounding inequality, and it did a strong job of ridding stereotypical gender roles. But overall, I'm sorry to say these messages were lost because of how poorly written the novel was.
Unfortunately, it may be one of the worst novels I've ever read. Three reasons for this, really.
1) Judged on the prose, I'm not sure if any editor looked at this book. There are pages and pages of nonsense that drag on for no reason. We do not need to read about the protagonist entering keywords into the backend of Wordpress, or here about the process of setting up an e-mail account, or have him tell us about the benefits of one airport over another. In short, this reads like a first draft, where you throw everything down - except, someone forgot to go back and trim the excess.
2) The dialogue made each and every character in the book sound the same. The protagonist, the feminist pioneer, the buff muscle and even the protagonist's father - they all talk the same, and they all talk unrealistically. No conversation has ever sounded like the ones in this book.
3) How is Everett so slow? There are parts where the reader knows of a "big reveal" about 50 pages ahead of the main character, who we come to understand is somewhat of a genius. You know the old saying of trust your reader, don't talk down to them? It needs to be applied here.
I guess there were some salvageable parts - few and far between. The book did raise some important issues surrounding inequality, and it did a strong job of ridding stereotypical gender roles. But overall, I'm sorry to say these messages were lost because of how poorly written the novel was.
January 16, 2016
I can't decide on my rating. I loved the subject matter (a male feminist - YESSSS), but some of the dialogue felt a little wooden, and some of the plot points were a little too obvious so that there wasn't a lot of suspense... It was a quick, fun read though and it made me think a lot! If you're drawn by the synopsis, I'd recommend giving it a shot. :)
October 9, 2015
I unabashedly love Terry Fallis. When I met him last week at an event, I fawned over him like some might over Johnny Depp. Anyhoo - this book is full of the wit and charm of his other books while tackling one of my favourite topics, feminism. If you think a man can't be a feminist, read this book and see if it changes your mind. Certainly, hearing Terry's impassioned speech on the subject, I believe it is possible.
December 11, 2018
I read this book expecting it to be as good as the earlier Fallis novels I have enjoyed and chuckled over. Fallis is a Stephen Leacock award winner and I have on more than one occasion laughed out loud when reading his other novels. This one, however, left me feeling flat, strangely confused, and disappointed. Has Fallis lost his touch? Have I missed the humour in Poles Apart? Is it time to move on?
First, the premise of the novel where a man writes a wildly popular blog on women’s issues is packed with promise. The trouble was, the blog’s author Everett turns out to be a bland character wrapped in a ho-hum plot that drones on while spinning out a series of cardboard characters. We have on the female side the exotic dancer/mother who is a PhD candidate, the attractive yet confused female lawyer, the ultra-successful and powerful mother and the clever and sympathetic Woman’s Movement pioneer who sit on one side of the scale. Not to be outdone, we have Everett’s Stone Age father who loves Ford cars, another man who loves Chevrolets, a bouncer who does makeup, and the sleazy strip club owner. Haul out the stereotypes, have them clash and clang about, mix in the internet and a blog written by a man that supports equal eights for woman, and we have a recipe for success. And yet we don’t.
The novel lacks a core of humour and plot. The novel drags and needs a serious editing. The novel needs to offer some surprises. Perhaps the reading of a couple of Carl Hiaasen novels would help. And why so many hanging subplots? For instance, the hunt for the son of the woman who was at the forefront of the beginning of the woman’s movement. Sure, times were different. Yes, the issue is important. In the structure and plot of this novel, however, it is unnecessary. It was as if Fallis found a shoehorn and decided to fit something else into the core of the novel. Sorry, it doesn’t work.
This novel is not worth reading if you are looking for laughter. If you want a way to pass a rainy or snowy day this novel is fine. Just don’t expect to laugh out loud. Sadly, you may not laugh at all.
First, the premise of the novel where a man writes a wildly popular blog on women’s issues is packed with promise. The trouble was, the blog’s author Everett turns out to be a bland character wrapped in a ho-hum plot that drones on while spinning out a series of cardboard characters. We have on the female side the exotic dancer/mother who is a PhD candidate, the attractive yet confused female lawyer, the ultra-successful and powerful mother and the clever and sympathetic Woman’s Movement pioneer who sit on one side of the scale. Not to be outdone, we have Everett’s Stone Age father who loves Ford cars, another man who loves Chevrolets, a bouncer who does makeup, and the sleazy strip club owner. Haul out the stereotypes, have them clash and clang about, mix in the internet and a blog written by a man that supports equal eights for woman, and we have a recipe for success. And yet we don’t.
The novel lacks a core of humour and plot. The novel drags and needs a serious editing. The novel needs to offer some surprises. Perhaps the reading of a couple of Carl Hiaasen novels would help. And why so many hanging subplots? For instance, the hunt for the son of the woman who was at the forefront of the beginning of the woman’s movement. Sure, times were different. Yes, the issue is important. In the structure and plot of this novel, however, it is unnecessary. It was as if Fallis found a shoehorn and decided to fit something else into the core of the novel. Sorry, it doesn’t work.
This novel is not worth reading if you are looking for laughter. If you want a way to pass a rainy or snowy day this novel is fine. Just don’t expect to laugh out loud. Sadly, you may not laugh at all.
November 16, 2015
Another great read by Terry Fallis. He never fails to deliver on wit and on humorous situations that typically involve a "fish out of water" while inserting an element of seriousness. The play on words with the title are just a small part of the genius of what I appreciated about this novel. The manner by which Fallis tackles an important topic yet weaves together elements of suspense and zany humour in the midst of the injection of a critical feminist perspective takes a sure and steady hand. Hell, any novel that leaves me wanting to seek out and read a classic such as John Stuart Mills' THE SUBJECTION OF WOMEN must have had a strong influence on me.
The novel is wonderfully uplifting, carries an important message, is consistently funny and at just the right moments is touching and poignant. Highly recommended.
The novel is wonderfully uplifting, carries an important message, is consistently funny and at just the right moments is touching and poignant. Highly recommended.
November 6, 2018
Just to tell you how much I love the books from this author I can say this; I have been reading the books on my ereader and I have two to go until I finish all he has written. I am going this afternoon to a book store to try to get my hands on all the hard cover versions of all his books.
This was an exceptional book with a message and a great story.
Everett, a dual citizen of the US and Canada and writer of magazine ads and other small things, has reached his thirties and has not been able to keep a relationship going. When his father becomes ill in his retirement in Florida, Everett sets out to be with him and spend time with him in the rehab hospital.
When he arrives at the hospital he thinks that he recognizes a lady and eventually he knows who it is. She is Beverly Tanner, an advocate for equality.
This is just the encouragement Everett needs to restart his career engine.
An excellent read.
This was an exceptional book with a message and a great story.
Everett, a dual citizen of the US and Canada and writer of magazine ads and other small things, has reached his thirties and has not been able to keep a relationship going. When his father becomes ill in his retirement in Florida, Everett sets out to be with him and spend time with him in the rehab hospital.
When he arrives at the hospital he thinks that he recognizes a lady and eventually he knows who it is. She is Beverly Tanner, an advocate for equality.
This is just the encouragement Everett needs to restart his career engine.
An excellent read.
November 5, 2023
This book had me laughing out loud at points. It was a bit predictable, but only because the characters were so clearly written. This is a book of love, family, interconnedness, and relationships of all sorts. I would highly recommend it if you want a page turner on a rainy day or the beach that isn't focused on romance.
January 28, 2018
3.5 stars for me. It was as easy read - quick pace, accessible language and themes. The feminism was rather 101 and lacked an intersectional approach, but I recognized myself in the protagonist, and appreciated the family portrait this story included. Activist circles can be pretty serious places, so it was refreshing to read a light story that still centred around themes of gender politics and equality, even if I did find myself internally rolling my eyes at sections that felt a little “mansplainy” to me. I’m willing to accept the possibility, though, that my immersion in feminist activism might affect my ability to just enjoy this for what it is: a nice story written by a man who sincerely believes in women’s equality and wants to spread the word. Can’t fault him too much.
April 22, 2019
I LAUGHED. I CRIED. I was left wanting more of Terry Fallis.
I'm quite stingy with my 5-star reviews. I hadn't read much fiction that was clearly in the humour category before I picked up Poles Apart. Everything about this book enthralled me: its very clever title and over-arching (and very contemporary) concept, its absurd juxtapositions, its engaging characters and pace, its sense of danger and risk, its lessons for serious causes using unconventional approaches (and voices) to connect with wider audiences and convert the unconverted. While I can't say enough about how smart, witty and entertaining this book was, I also cried at the ending. Here's to a great book that had me off my nut a bit and took me through the full range of emotions that were, indeed, Poles Apart.
I'm quite stingy with my 5-star reviews. I hadn't read much fiction that was clearly in the humour category before I picked up Poles Apart. Everything about this book enthralled me: its very clever title and over-arching (and very contemporary) concept, its absurd juxtapositions, its engaging characters and pace, its sense of danger and risk, its lessons for serious causes using unconventional approaches (and voices) to connect with wider audiences and convert the unconverted. While I can't say enough about how smart, witty and entertaining this book was, I also cried at the ending. Here's to a great book that had me off my nut a bit and took me through the full range of emotions that were, indeed, Poles Apart.
February 16, 2018
This book was mildly amusing. It was a cute look at some feminist stereotypes but most of the story was incredibly obvious and there wasn't much substance.
November 13, 2025
4.5 stars. Yet another fantastic book in the Terry Fallis canon. Wonderfully crafted and approachable prose, weaved with humour, intellect, and heart.
I'll note that this book features feminist themes, and occasionally, on the margins, I wished there was a little more time spent steelmaning some of the views opposing the protagonist.
I'll note that this book features feminist themes, and occasionally, on the margins, I wished there was a little more time spent steelmaning some of the views opposing the protagonist.
May 5, 2025
I didn’t find it as compelling as Up and Down. It seemed a bit over the top with sarcasm but I enjoyed it more as it went on. The first part dragged and I wondered when it would get to the point of the story since Everett came to help his dad but didn’t really do much of anything and maybe things like his blog could take off the way it did but I guess I am a bit skeptical.
October 1, 2017
I like the humourous imaginative writing style. Entertaining. I'll be looking for more books by this author.
September 20, 2021
Absolutely and perfectly delightful! A fascinating exploration of feminism, Canadiana, and family. Highly recommended for a light-hearted, easy, beautifully written read.
January 25, 2023
Terry Fallis is pretty fun, if a big campy, to read!
October 30, 2020
Spoilers, but: male feminist turns out to be a prick born on third base, and yet somehow is written in as the admirable protagonist.
I'm a huge fan of Fallis' earlier writing, especially "Best Laid Plans." But, this book was pretty bad both in concept and in writing.
The writing qualms are easier to address: Everett, in particular, is unlikable because of a weirdly lurchy 'thesaurus voice' (e.g., "So what were you two discussing in such an animated fashion while promenading?" he asks on p. 188). All too often, his dialogue ends up feeling like /r/Iamverysmart running amok, much like the phrasing and tone adopted by Sheldon from Big Bang or Don Tillman from The Rosie Project. I'm not sure if this was an intentional choice or inadvertent, but it certainly didn't endear me to Everett's character.
The concept, though, falls off the rails throughout the book. At its core, Poles Apart is meant to be the story of a male feminist who wants to stay in the shadows and yet contribute to gender equality - a noble intention. But, at every turn, Everett ends up being a prick who mansplains, condescends, and insists on being the hero of the story (all while getting the girl and preserving the institution of marriage).
Lest you want to read this, I'll hide some of the more revealing examples. In short, this isn't a book about a feminist ally or a champion for equality... it's an unintentional caricature of how a mansplaining and surprisingly entitled writer can fit into nearly all of the classic story tropes.
OH! And, I forgot the best part (and by best, I mean catastrophically bad).
I don't want this review to come off as critiquing the critical role of male allies, advocates, and workers for feminism. But, instead of grappling with the complicated questions of how to be that ally in the fight, we're given a simplistic story that somehow turns the dude into the hero of a romance, which ends with everyone realizing just how incredible the nice guy truly is.
I'm a huge fan of Fallis' earlier writing, especially "Best Laid Plans." But, this book was pretty bad both in concept and in writing.
The writing qualms are easier to address: Everett, in particular, is unlikable because of a weirdly lurchy 'thesaurus voice' (e.g., "So what were you two discussing in such an animated fashion while promenading?" he asks on p. 188). All too often, his dialogue ends up feeling like /r/Iamverysmart running amok, much like the phrasing and tone adopted by Sheldon from Big Bang or Don Tillman from The Rosie Project. I'm not sure if this was an intentional choice or inadvertent, but it certainly didn't endear me to Everett's character.
The concept, though, falls off the rails throughout the book. At its core, Poles Apart is meant to be the story of a male feminist who wants to stay in the shadows and yet contribute to gender equality - a noble intention. But, at every turn, Everett ends up being a prick who mansplains, condescends, and insists on being the hero of the story (all while getting the girl and preserving the institution of marriage).
Lest you want to read this, I'll hide some of the more revealing examples. In short, this isn't a book about a feminist ally or a champion for equality... it's an unintentional caricature of how a mansplaining and surprisingly entitled writer can fit into nearly all of the classic story tropes.
OH! And, I forgot the best part (and by best, I mean catastrophically bad).
I don't want this review to come off as critiquing the critical role of male allies, advocates, and workers for feminism. But, instead of grappling with the complicated questions of how to be that ally in the fight, we're given a simplistic story that somehow turns the dude into the hero of a romance, which ends with everyone realizing just how incredible the nice guy truly is.
August 20, 2015
Everett is a feminist who starts writing a blog: "Eve of Equality". His fame begins when a Oprah-type TV celebrity retweets a link to a blog post he'd written about a new chain of high end strip joints. Soon, his blog is the face of feminism but everyone's real question... Who is the real person writing the blog?
I learned a lot about the women's movement, how to live and question our intentions regarding gender equality in our day to day life, and in general believe the theme of the book is super relevant right now.
Everett doesn't believe he should reveal himself because 'a man shouldn't be leading the women's movement'. What he learns along the way is that to move forward, men and women need to come together to create equal opportunity for all.
It was a good story with some really funny one-liners. This is my first Terry Fallis (and for those of you who don't know, he's from Toronto!), and I will be sure to go back and read his past work.
I learned a lot about the women's movement, how to live and question our intentions regarding gender equality in our day to day life, and in general believe the theme of the book is super relevant right now.
Everett doesn't believe he should reveal himself because 'a man shouldn't be leading the women's movement'. What he learns along the way is that to move forward, men and women need to come together to create equal opportunity for all.
It was a good story with some really funny one-liners. This is my first Terry Fallis (and for those of you who don't know, he's from Toronto!), and I will be sure to go back and read his past work.
September 8, 2019
My first time reading this Canadian author and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. It’s engaging, warm, funny and wraps everything up neatly with a pretty bow. I love that it tackles feminisms with humour and from a male’s perspective.
For some odd reason I pictured the main character Everett looking much like the character Mike from the TV series Suits and the Megan character as Meghan Markle. I loved that there was a side plot of redeeming Everette’s dad by feminist icon Beverley with the use of humour and patience. It shows that people shouldn’t just be written off even if they come across as lost causes.
Feminism can be polarizing, and this book tackles a serious subject with humour by showing how setting aside surface judgements and quick character assumptions in favour of engaging with people on a deeper level may bring about connection and positive change that will make this world a better place.
For some odd reason I pictured the main character Everett looking much like the character Mike from the TV series Suits and the Megan character as Meghan Markle. I loved that there was a side plot of redeeming Everette’s dad by feminist icon Beverley with the use of humour and patience. It shows that people shouldn’t just be written off even if they come across as lost causes.
Feminism can be polarizing, and this book tackles a serious subject with humour by showing how setting aside surface judgements and quick character assumptions in favour of engaging with people on a deeper level may bring about connection and positive change that will make this world a better place.
March 21, 2016
Terry Fallis' writing style is so completely disarming! At first you do feel like the characters in this book are a little flat but his mix of humour and appropriately predictable plot line ends up being much more than a sum of its parts. Like every other book of his I've read, Poles Apart was a charming, funny, light read. In this case, I read it on a 7 hour bus ride from Cat Ba to Haiphong to Hanoi, and found it compelling - especially in a country that speaks to the exact issues the book addresses!
May 20, 2016
I adored "The Best Laid Plans" and "The High Road". I wasn't as fond of "Up and Down" or "No Relation" so I was a bit nervous starting this book. Happily, this book is in the vein of Fallis' first two works. There is a good story, great characters and the kind of clever word play that made me a fan of his writing in the first place. There are laugh out loud moments in the vein of The Best Laid Plans. Read it, you'll like it.
September 18, 2018
This is a funny book which explores the current state of feminism in the digital age of vblogging. A hero is a self-deprecating man forced to relocate from Toronto to Florida to care for his father recovering from a stroke. It turns out to be the best thing for him as he meets a feminist icon in his father's rehab clinic who delights his feminist fever. He starts a blog Eve of Equality and is more surprised than anyone when it goes viral. Well constructed and written. Great dialogue.
November 4, 2015
I wasn't as big a fan of Terry's last one, but this was back on track for me being sweet and fun and funny.
Got to attend a reading last week where he explained how aspects of this book are autobiographical, and outlined his own journey to a "feminist awakening". It was a nice addition to my perspective while reading.
Got to attend a reading last week where he explained how aspects of this book are autobiographical, and outlined his own journey to a "feminist awakening". It was a nice addition to my perspective while reading.
March 29, 2016
I generally like Terry Fallis' linear, simple novels, but this one was torturous drivel. Linear, yes, simple, yes....but the content was even more pretentious than ever.
I'll keep trying, but I get tired of reading books featuring writers with over-inflated ideas of the skill of their own writing, especially when the writer of these characters is really not great either.
I'll keep trying, but I get tired of reading books featuring writers with over-inflated ideas of the skill of their own writing, especially when the writer of these characters is really not great either.
January 5, 2026
This is Terry Fallis at his best and by far my favourite book of his. Is it somewhat formulaic and predictable? Yes. You could see every so called plot twist and turn from a mile away. But it was a fun and witty read. Almost like watching a really well done rom-com - you know how it's going to end up but you still enjoy the ride.
August 15, 2016
I am a big fan of Terry Fallis. Read all his books. This one made me smile and chuckle several times, but you could predict a few things because of having read his previous books. The last part of the book was the best. I still like this book, but not has much as the others.
December 3, 2015
A bit disappointing. It's clearly an issue that Fallis takes seriously, has a long term commitment to, and that's admirable. But the book is a little too contrived and predictable in plot, and the humor seems a bit forced.
February 13, 2016
Cute! I will continue to read his books, as they are always good for entertainment. Having read all five of his books now, in the last 13 months, I can notice the pattern and almost guess what is going to happen. Not always accurate, but usually close enough.
January 7, 2016
Another winner from Terry Fallis.
Read
March 14, 2016Entertaining and, although a bit far fetched, thought provoking. I really enjoy Terry Fallis' humour.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews